Blue Cavalry-Dodger’s Injury Report

I am so sick of injuries. I swear guys. They might as well setup a hospital ER room in the Dodger’s clubhouse. The Dodgers have eight players on the DL right now, and Andre Ethier is day-t-day with a swollen oblique muscle. The Dodgers have been Meandering in the standings for the last two weeks because of this. When will the Cavalry arrive? Let’s take a look at the Dodger’s injury updates. It’s like a mash unit over there, where is Hawkeye Pierce when you need him?

The Dodger’s perennial MVP candidate Matt Kemp, is due back sometime soon. Ethier right before the all-star break, or immediately after. Matt Kemp has been on the disabled list since May 30 with a strained left hamstring. He originally injured the hammy in the cold weather of Chicago in early May, while running for a fly ball in center field. He was originally placed on the DL on May 13, and then after playing one game, re-injured his hammy while scoring on an Andre Ethier double. He was placed back on the disabled list again, and hasn’t played since. Matt Kemp has been the National league’s leading vote getter, and the National League’s team captain in the home run derby. While it seems unlikely he would be able to play in the all-star game, he has been cleared to compete in the home run derby. The Dodgers are going to use the home run derby as part of his rehab, and another round of tests on hi hamstring need to be done, but if all goes according to plan, Kemp should begin his rehab stint sometime next week, and be ready to play as soon as the second half begins.

Andre Ethier is still healing from a swollen oblique muscle, he injured during a check-swing while playing in the San Francisco series. Ethier was not placed on the DL, and was originally listed as day-to-day. The Dodgers are being cautious, with Ethier, and he was seen playing catch before yesterday’s game. If Ethier heals properly, he could return either Sunday or Monday.

Second baseman Mark Ellis, began his rehab assignment with the Quakes on Friday. Ellis has been out since May 19, with a knee injury, suffered on a take-out slide at second base by Cardinals Tyler Greene. Ellis had to be hospitalized, had to have an emergency surgery to relieve pressure, and fluid from knee, and was not expected back until August at the earliest. Ellis has healed very quick, and appears to be fully recovered after nearly losing his leg altogether. If all goes well, Ellis will be activated on Thursday in time for the Arizona series, which is the last series before the all-star break. Ellis is scheduled to DH on Saturday, play five innings on Sunday, and then play two seven inning stints in each of the next two games.

Middle reliever Javy Guerra is also scheduled to be going on a rehab assignment on Sunday, and could be back with Ellis for the Arizona series. Guerra had to have surgery on his right knee, after injuring it when Brian McCann drilled a line drive off of his jaw during a game against the Braves, Guerra was originally supposed to be out for 6-8 weeks, but he has healed quicker than expected, and should be back with the team next week.

Center fielder Matt Kemp, was the game’s best hitter in the month of April. He was hitting .355 with 12 home runs, and 28 RBIs before he went down with injury. He was leading the league in all three triple crown categories at the time of his injury.

Second baseman Mark Ellis who is also the team’s number two hitter, has been sorely missed on both offense and defense. The skilled and versatile second baseman is hitting .273, with a .373 OBP, and two home runs. His defense has been other worldly, and since he has been out, the keystone has been like a revolving door.

Right fielder Andre Ethier, is batting .291, with 10 home runs, and 55 RBI, and just signed a five year 85 million dollar contract extension. Ethier has also played superb defense in right field, while posting a .357 OBP in 275 at-bats.

Reliever Javy Guerra is 2-3 with a 3.38 ERA, and 8 saves in 27 games. He has whiffed 20 in 24 innings, putting up a 7.5 whiff per nine rate while being switched from closer to middle relief.